In a modification of alimony case, a payor's alimony obligation can be reduced when the recipient voluntarily reduces their needs. In a recently decided case captioned Regan v. Regan, the trial court granted the Husband's petition for modification. The trial court permitted a reduction of the Husband's alimony obligation from $9,000 per month to $7,800 a month. When the parties were divorced, they agreed that the Husband would pay $9,000 per month. The wife also received retirement accounts and investment accounts as part of the settlement. After the divorce, the wife significantly reduced her expenses by moving to another state, selling the marital house, and purchasing a smaller home. The trial court found that these reductions constituted a substantial change of circumstances and warranted a modification of alimony.
Alimony in Jupiter, Florida
In a recently decided alimony case, the Florida Court of Appeal stated that permanent alimony is intended to allow the recipient spouse to maintain the standard of living established by the parties during the course of their marriage. In this case, the parties were married for 39 years and had adult children. The parties agreed upon the distribution of their assets, but were unable to agree upon the amount of the wife's alimony award. The parties agreed that the Wife was to receive ½ of the Husband's military retirement benefits. The parties both took on debt. During the course of the marriage, the wife worked and raised the parties' children while the Husband served in the military. The wife was a bartender in the marriage's early years and was then a realtor. The wife was then in a motorcycle accident and was not working at the time of the trial. The wife was in the process of attempting to obtain disability benefits at the time that the trial took place. At the time of trial, the Husband was retired and was working on a contract basis. The husband also received a disability check.
Alimony in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
In a recently decided alimony case captioned Jimenez v. Jimenez, the Florida Court of Appeal stated that in reaching a decision concerning alimony, a trial court is required to consider every one of the factors set forth in the Florida Statutes. In deciding whether or not to award alimony, a trial court is required to decide whether one of the parties has the ability to pay alimony and whether the other party has the need for alimony. If a court determines that one party has the ability to pay alimony and that the other party has the need for alimony, the court is required to consider all of the following ten factors. First, the standard of living established by the parties during the marriage. Second, the length of the marriage. Third, the physical and emotional condition of each of the parties and the age of the parties. Fourth, each parties assets and liabilities. Fifth, the parties' earning capacities and the need for additional training and education. Sixth, each of the parties' contribution to the marriage. Seventh, the need to stay home with any minor children. Eighth, the tax consequences of an award of alimony. Ninth, each parties' sources of income from employment or investments. Tenth, any other factor that the court considers is necessary to reach a fair and just resolution of the matter.
